The sun had barely risen, mist still curling around the trees like it hadn’t made up its mind to leave.
Towan was stretching near the waterfall, a new rhythm in his breathing. Not just training anymore — refining.
Elliot was, as usual, sitting nearby with a book open on his knees, but his eyes weren’t reading.
They were thinking.
Eryndar approached, silent as ever, but this time, with purpose. No observation. No testing.
Just decision.
“I’m leaving soon,” he said, stopping at the edge of the clearing.
Both brothers turned. Towan blinked, caught off guard. Elliot simply waited.
“I’ve stayed long enough. There are places I need to be. But...”
He looked directly at Towan.
“You’re improving. Fast. If you want to come with me, I’ll take you.”
Towan stood slowly.
“You mean—train with you?”
Eryndar nodded once.
“Travel with me. Learn properly. You’ve got potential. But raw talent isn’t enough. You need structure. Discipline. And someone who understands more than jungle tactics and wild Essentia tricks.”
“Hey, I like Lytharos’ jungle tactics,” Towan muttered.
“He agrees,” Eryndar said flatly. “He told me himself. Said you’ve outgrown what he can offer.”
Stolen story; please report.
Towan’s chest tightened. Not from offense—from clarity.
It was real. He was ready.
Rheon’s gone. Selene’s busy researching. Lytharos was more big brother than master. But Eryndar… Eryndar’s the kind of teacher who could make me into someone who won’t fail again.
He looked at Elliot, already knowing what he’d see.
His brother hadn’t moved.
Elliot closed the book with a quiet snap, but he didn’t look up.
“You’re going?”
“Yeah,” Towan said. “I think… I have to.”
“Then I’m staying.”
Towan hesitated.
“Why?”
Elliot finally met his eyes.
“Because Leon’s gone. And nobody’s asking why.”
“Because corruption nearly killed all of us, and we don’t understand anything about it. Not where it comes from. Not how it’s spreading. Not what it wants.”
“And because I’d rather figure it out than chase strength I don’t understand.”
Towan didn’t argue.
Because deep down, he agreed.
“I’ll be leaving tomorrow” Eryndar stated “Think about it. No need to make a decision now” he added before stepping away from the scene
“Are you sure you don’t wanna come?” Towan asked again, softer this time.
He knew the answer.
But he asked anyway.
Because some part of him still hoped Elliot would change his mind.
He didn’t want to leave him behind.
But it was also true—Eryndar could teach him more than Lytharos ever could.
Elliot stood still for a moment, eyes lowered.
“You know I’d love to,” he said quietly. “But I’m not as talented as you.”
The words stung, even though they came without bitterness.
And deep down, Elliot already knew it wasn’t about talent.
It was about purpose.
“There’s a lot in Leon’s library,” he continued. “Techniques. Records. Books about Essentia, corruption, timelines, things we haven’t even scratched the surface of.”
He placed a hand lightly on his chest.
“If I don’t understand what we’re up against… this feeling—this unease—it won’t go away.”
Towan looked at his brother, eyes dim.
The ache in his chest wasn’t just about leaving.
It was the realization that this time…
he couldn’t follow.
And neither could Elliot.
“We’re going to meet again,” Elliot said, forcing a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“Next year. The Academy’s entrance exam.”
Towan nodded slowly, eyes not leaving Elliot’s.
“You’re right,” he said, but the words came out quiet. Cracked. Drowned by something heavier.
They didn’t hug.
Didn’t cry.
But the silence between them held everything they couldn’t say.
And it would have to be enough.